Still more on the papal visit

Star columnist Sir Federico Pascual said the papal visit has opened the path to transformation. Everyone agrees. And everyone hopes the path will not be left untrodden by those who need to be transformed.

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The most disciplined crowd of papal welcomers I've seen on tv was that one in Tacloban. The Taclobanons in poncho raincoat braved the rain and strong stormy wind as they waited in silence for Pope Francis at the airport. They were seen praying, not chatting.

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Many were seen wiping the tears in their eyes as the pope apologized for being late in coming to Leyte. "But I'm here now with you, he said. That still brought more tears but tears of joy this time.

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"I was touched to the point of shedding tears when I learned that all the while the pope had wanted to be in Leyte to share the Leytenos pain brought about by Yolanda," said Ma'am Helen Bullido, a Leytena school teacher in Cebu.

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Pope Francis was seen carrying his bag as he boarded the plane that brought him back to the Vatican. I used to see top Phl government officials with aide carrying their things for them. Like their attaché cases or even their clutch handbags.

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The pope looked dumfounded when a 12-year-old girl, a former street child, asked why God allows children to suffer like she did and others like her. She then cried as the Holy Father embraced her before she could finish saying what was in her heart.

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Grownups watching the scenario said since the Pontiff is God's vicar on earth, it was as if was God embracing the weeping child.

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Pope Francis is back in the Vatican but the chances are good that he will be back next year for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu. It will then be our turn to show the world how much we love God's vicar earth.